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Indigenous Nationhood

Dr. Pamela D. Palmater is a Mi'kmaw lawyer and member of the Eel River Bar First Nation in New Brunswick. She teaches Indigenous law, politics and governance at Ryerson University and heads their Centre for Indigenous Governance.

Pamela Palmater| The exclusion of Indigenous women and girls as a priority in this federal budget is a glaring example of the ongoing racism and sexism that is so deeply embedded in Canada's laws and policies.

Pamela Palmater| On January 14, 2019, the UNHRC released their decision which found that Canada still discriminates against "Indian" women and their descendants in the registration provisions of the Indian Act.

Pamela Palmater| Canada has already decided that the Trans Mountain pipeline will be built, before ever talking to any impacted First Nations. This renders constitutionally protected Indigenous rights meaningless.

Pamela Palmater| Despite the fact that the Federal Court of Appeal quashed the decision in this instance, it also set up the conditions under which the federal government can approve the pipeline in the future.

Pam Palmater| Last week, Conservative member of Parliament Maxime Bernier posted a series of tweets on Twitter espousing his opposition to "extreme multiculturalism" and the "cult of diversity" in Canada.

Pamela Palmater| Tina Fontaine did not kill herself. Tina died because federal, provincial and state agencies charged with keeping her safe, all failed to protect her. And for that, Canada should stand trial.

Pamela Palmater| Since his election, Trudeau has made the same core promises to recognize and implement Indigenous rights in a multitude of strategically timed announcements, but it's been all talk and little action.

Pamela Palmater| Given that its terms focus on the "vulnerabilities" of Indigenous women and girls as opposed to failures of governments and service agencies -- the inquiry risks missing the whole point.

Pam Palmater| Last week, former prime minister Paul Martin told the media that Canadians weren't racist, it's just that Indigenous people are invisible to many of them. That's a bit rich, argues Pam Palmater.

Pamela Palmater| Prime Minister Justin Trudeau won the hearts of many Canadians by finally getting rid of Stephen Harper and his decade of oppression, violation of civil rights and vilification of First Nations.

Pamela Palmater| In light of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Canada's record suggests that the Indian problem was more about Indians refusing to die off, than maintaining different languages and cultures.

Pamela Palmater| In a heated exchange during the Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Defence, Pamela Palmater talks about the extent to which First Nations are targeted by military and law enforcement.